In an effort to address the need for well-prepared public school and community college administrators, the California State University (CSU) rolled out the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree at seven of its 23 campuses this semester. In addition, CSU officials announced that all seven programs have received accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges citing their outstanding quality and ability to serve K-12 and community college leaders.

Offering the higher degree at CSU marks a historic change in California since the creation of the Master Plan for Higher Education. The new programs were made possible by legislation, SB 724 (Scott), enacted in 2005, which granted CSU, for the first time since its founding, independent authority to offer doctorate degree programs.

“The CSU’s comprehensive Ed.D. programs are designed to develop the theories, research and practices essential to improving California’s P-12 schools and community colleges,” said Charles B. Reed, CSU Chancellor. “These programs provide a national model for the reform of educational leadership, and our students will be well prepared to make substantial impacts on the future of education in California.”

Seven CSU campuses will launch programs this year including, Fresno State, CSU Fullerton, CSU Long Beach, Sacramento State, CSU San Bernardino, San Diego State and San Francisco State. While five of the campuses will offer both P-12 and community college specializations this fall, CSU Fullerton and CSU San Bernardino will begin with the P-12 programs and add a community college component in the future.

More than 350 students applied to the Ed.D. programs at the seven campuses, with approximately 150 students admitted. About two-thirds of the enrolled students will be in the P-12 specialization with the remainder focused on preparation for community college leadership. Four additional campuses will launch Ed.D. programs in 2008.

Enrolled students reflect the diversity of the CSU system overall, with 20 percent being Latino, 15 percent African-American and six percent Asian-American. The annual fee for the 2008/09 academic year is $11,844, the same rate as the University of California doctoral programs in education.